Steam Engine & Tender

This is the last of the projects for 2012, it is from plans from T & J’s, Do not have a lathe so had to make the boiler and stacks the old fashion way using a chisel, file and sandpaper, took lots of time, but at my age all I have is time:) Wheels do turn but I can not figure out how to get them to fully rotate? Boiler & Cab made out of Cherry, platform out of Oak & Alder, cow catcher out of Alder. I found much enjoyment in this one even though it did tax this old man’s brain, not bad for an old guy who took “Office Machines” instead of “Shop” in High School:)

I sympathise with your efforts to get the wheels rotating fully – when I made this simpler version

for my grandson, I innocently assumed that I could put side rods (or coupling rods) linking the wheels on each side to make it look more authentic. However, no way would the wheels rotate without the rods jamming. After lots of failed attempts, I started thinking about the geometry involved. I realised that there could be very little tolerance on the lengths and diameters involved for the system to operate, which would be difficult to achieve in metal, let alone wood! So I gave up on the rods, but I don’t think my grandson noticed :-)

I won’t pretend I constructed this, but someone sure did.This is 4 feet long and the wheels turn the piston rod in the cylinder.I had purchased this from an Antique shop in our town.The woman said it was included in an estate sale.This had to take months to construct as it is very detailed. One of the bumpers was missing and I duplicated a new on on my lathe.It sits on the shelf I made in my woodshop.

-- When I was a boy, I was told "anyone can be President", now I'm beginning to believe it!

G’Day “nitewalker”,You’ve certainly done a fine job on the train & tender…...well done.Very good detail and it looks like it’s been done by a seasoned toymaker.How did you do the white wheels please….Cheers, crowie

-- Lifes good, Enjoy each new day...... Cheers from "On Top DownUnder" Crowie